[hciman77]

Creative Labs Zen Xtra 40GB USB Hard Drive MP3 Player
-----------------------------------------------------

http://cgi.ebay.com/Creative-Labs-Ze...QQcmdZViewItem

last year I bought a 30GB Xtra for myself and a 40GB for the missus. I have an eBay alert when these come up for sale. Today I got an email pointing me to the above banner - it had a buy it now of $99 and a best offer option.

Like a mug I offered $70 and the system accepted it. I tried for another at $20 and that was declined.

At present there are 4 available if anyone is interested. You might be able to get one at less than $70 but you are only allowed to make 3 offers. I might try again at $50 and see what happens.

EDIT: Offer of $50 was declined

I am not connected with creative in any way shape or form.

 

[NiceCans]

 

[YamiTenshi]

Missed it.

 

[NiceCans]

thanks for the tip hciman77

I got one

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCans /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the tip hciman77 I got one

Cool - how much did they accept ?, if you dont mind me asking

 

[sharkz]

Seems like a great deal. If I didn't have a Zen, I would be all over this. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[NiceCans]

Since there were only two left I was hesitant to get turned down with a low bid and have someone else buy it out from under me. So at the last minute I flinched on my intended bid of $60 and punched in $65.

Had there been a few more available, or if this post had not appeared here, I would have tried $60 for sure.
But you know how these Head-Fi'ers are about good deals!

 

[bpfiguer]

Thank you hciman77 for the tip.
I got the last one for $60.

 

[Joshatdot]

I miss my old Xtra 30gb

 

[freeone-j]

Hey guys, for someone out of the loop, can I get the pros and the cons of this unit?

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeone-j /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, for someone out of the loop, can I get the pros and the cons of this unit?

Pros
----
Cheap - Creative are trying to shift old and refurb stock, the
40GB model can be found for $100 or rather less as three people on this thread have found out

Decent SQ - sounds the same as my 5G iPod (ymmv)

The Unit's interface is better than the iPod (imo)

Easily replaceable battery - long life 1000mah batteries are $11, battery runs out slap in a new one - 20 seconds

User-upgradeable hard drive (not trivial but doable)

Stock software/firmware has No DRM issues whatsoever

Connects to pc via standard-mini usb i.e cheap cable


Cons
----
Bulkier than the iPod
Supplied software is only okay
Some firmware upgrades do implement DRM
Audio parameters (noise/DR) measure worse than the iPod
No USB recharge
Some do have headphone socket issues
90 day warranty only - old model no longer produced
Not truly Plug and play - does need software to allow Windows explorer to recognise it

 

[wolfen68]

If it was UMS and had a true lineout, it would be even more of a steal.

 

[bonkon]

Too late, well no regrets since it is US sale only. There is a Sound Blaster USB with optical out for $15 or best offer, interesting for those still using onboard AC97 or looking to connect to a better DAC. I would have bought one for fun, damn US only. I guess I should post it in the computer as source for team cheapo.

 

[freeone-j]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hciman77 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pros ---- Cheap - Creative are trying to shift old and refurb stock, the 40GB model can be found for $100 or rather less as three people on this thread have found out Decent SQ - sounds the same as my 5G iPod (ymmv) The Unit's interface is better than the iPod (imo) Easily replaceable battery - long life 1000mah batteries are $11, battery runs out slap in a new one - 20 seconds User-upgradeable hard drive (not trivial but doable) Stock software/firmware has No DRM issues whatsoever Connects to pc via standard-mini usb i.e cheap cable Cons ---- Bulkier than the iPod Supplied software is only okay Some firmware upgrades do implement DRM Audio parameters (noise/DR) measure worse than the iPod No USB recharge Some do have headphone socket issues 90 day warranty only - old model no longer produced Not truly Plug and play - does need software to allow Windows explorer to recognise it

Thanks for clearing up the questions I had, it is a nice find. I'll keep my eyes open for something like this, $60-$70 dollars is worth a try. Thanks hciman77!!!

The free one ( Freeone-j)

 

[grape ape]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen68 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If it was UMS and had a true lineout, it would be even more of a steal.

The headphone out is exceptional on the earlier creative nomad jukeboxes. I've owned a zen, zen xtra and nomad jukebox 2 and 3 all of which only mildly improved when using my sr-71 amp via the line out. It wasn't worth lugging around an amp or waisting a 9 volt battery on.